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1997-02-11 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda Packet (3)REV/SED AGENDA (BLUE PAPER) CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FEBRUARY 11, 1997 6:30 P.M. - Large Conference Room 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. * * Election of 1997 Officers Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary 4. Approval of January 11, 1997 Minutes. 5. Approval of January 11, 1997 Joint Workshop Minutes. 6. Monthly Meeting Waiver. 7. Full -Time Recreation Programmer, 8, Ballfield Capacity, 9. Open Space Preservation. 10. Trail System. 11. Updates * Parks Report * 1996 Tree Planting Review * 1997 Ballfield Schedule Preview * Police Report * * * Park Land Donation Officer CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY.MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION February 11.1996 6:30 p.m. -Large Conference Raom 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of the January 11, 1997 Parks Commission Minutes 4. Approval of the January 1 I, 1997 Joint Workshop Minutes 5. Monthly Meeting Waiver 6. Full -Time Recreation Programmer 7. Ballfield Capacity 8. North Kensington Park 9. Open Space Preservation 10. Trail System I1. Updates • Parks Report (Available Tuesday) • 1996 Tree Planting Review • 1997 Ballfield Schedule Preview • Police Report (Available Tuesday) 12. Adjourn Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities aze available upon request at least 120 hours in advance. If a notice of less than 120 hours is received, the City of Mendota Heights will make every attempt to provide the aids. This may not, however, be possible on short notice. Please contact City Administration at 452- 1850 with requests. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY.MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 14.1997 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, January 14, 1997, in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM. The following Commissioners were present: Spicer, Libra, Kleinglass, Linnell, Damberg, and Liberacki. Commissioner Norton arrived late. Also present were Councilmember Krebsbach, Recreation Programmer Chris Esser and Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister, APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Libra moved to approve the December 10, 1996 Minutes with corrections. Commissioner Damberg seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 UPDATES Staff then provided updates on the following items: There were on comments on this item. POLICE REPORT There were no comments on this item. Commissioner Damberg requested an end-of--the-year Vandalism Report. Mr. Esser provided an update on the ice rinks. Commissioner Damberg pointed out that according the Comprehensive Plan, one of the goals of the City was to "enable historic and scenic values in the community to be preserved'. Commissioner Damberg said that this aspect of parks had been neglected by the Parks and Recreation Commission, and that almost all the emphasis on parks to date was from a recreational standpoint. Commissioner Damberg continued that there were many opportunities for the City to improve views by putting in grasses, trees and shrubs. Commissioner Damberg reiterated that she felt that the City dealt with the recreational aspects of parks very well, but not the other two purposes listed, scenic areas and areas poorly adapted to development. Commissioner Linnell said that the City lacks its own Staff expertise in forestry, but the City could hire such expertise on a contingency basis. Commissioner Damberg said that more emphasis should be placed on non -dedicated parks. Commissioner Linnell suggested increasing the monetary component of the Park Contribution, Mayor Mertensotto agreed that the current $�50 amount was low relative to the present value of land in Mendota Heights, ADJOURNMENT The Parks and Recreation Commission meeting adjourned to the Workshop with the City Council. 2 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO February 5, 1996 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Monthly Meeting Waiver Discussion At the Joint Workshop on 7anuary 14, 1997, the Pazks and Recreation Commission expressed the desire to be able to waive an occasional meeting when there is not sufficient business to justify convening. The Council replied that anytime the Commission felt that there were not sufficient items on the agenda to justify a meeting, they could request through the Administrative Assistant that the Council grant them a waiver from having to meet, and that the Council in most cases would be happy to comply. Staff has prepared the following Amendment to Ordinance No. 109, in case the Commission and the Council wish to formally acknowledge the above arrangement. Action Required Review the attached Ordinance amendment and recommend that the Council adopt this or similar language if the Commission feels that it would be appropriate. SECTION 5. COMPENSATION he members of the Parks and Recreation Commission shall serve without compensation but shall have the right to be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. SECTION 6. VACANCIES Any of the following may cause the office of a member to become vacated: 6.1 Death; 6.2 Disability or failure to serve, as shown by failure to attend four regularly scheduled meetings in any one calendar year; 6.3 Removal of residence from the Village, or 6A Resignation in writing. Vacancies shall be filled as soon as possible for the unexpired portion of the term by the Mayor with the consent of the maJbdty of the members of the Village Council. (109) 2 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO February 5, 1996 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: North Kensington Park Discussion Although the Council is still in favor of the "backyazd" concept, some Councilmembers feel that it needs to be modified in favor of more traditional plantings of trees, bushes and grass. The initial Plan for North Kensington Park proved to be too costly and adjustments to the design will have to be made. The Capital Improvement Plan identifies $30,000 for this project. The Council is concerned that the pond area is too expensive as it is currently planned, and is worried about mosquitoes and rodents. The Council is also concerned that the prairie grass would take several years to establish and prove to be more "high -maintenance" than anticipated. At the Joint Workshop on January 14, 1997, the Council and Commission directed Staff to place North Kensington Park on the February Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda to revisit the design of the plantings. Please see the attached information from Mr. Kullander, including a proposed timeline for revision of the North Kensington Park design. Action Required Discuss the attached information and make a recommendation to Staff. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO January 1Q 1996 TO: Joint Parks/Council Workshop Participants FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: North Kensington Park The Council has expressed concern with the "backyard" concept of North Kensington Park previously approved by the residents, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Council, and now wishes to revisit the design of the park to see if a more traditional "formal" concept would be more appropriate. The Council had further requested that this item be placed on the agenda for the Joint Workshop with the Parks and Recreation Commission. The advent of the new Friendly Iidls Middle School scheduled to open for academic year 1997 has brought some new potential considerations to the design of North Kensington Park. This new Middle School will increase traffic in the area of Mendota Heights Road and Huber Drive. It may also cause significant pedestrian traffic from the Centex development to the Middle School. If it is determined that changes should be made to the current design of North Kensington Park, the Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission may wish to consider notifying the neighboring residents and/or soliciting their input through one or more of the following means: • a Public Hearing • a Neighborhood Meeting • an Open House • a Neighborhood Survey Staff intends to place this item on the Parks and Recreation Commission agenda for February, and then take it to Council. This will enable Staffto finalize plans on the park. Please see the attached information compiled by Engineering Technician Guy Kullander. To date construction cost are approximately $12,000 for the transportation of the stone blocks and the construction of the overlook. The budget for the remaining work is $4.tb.; $6,000 for prairie grasses and plants: $5 to $6,000 for trees, shrubs, and planting beds: $2,000 for placing stone blocks for benches and walls, and $3,000 for regular sod and turf areas. Total construction costs should be around $28 or $29,000. ACTION REQUIRED If the Commission wishes to proceed with the completion of this project as outlined above knowing that all costs will come from the Special Park Fund they indicate there approval of allocating Special Park Funds for all remaining costs of this project. Note: Attached for the Commissioners are concept graphics showing showing Joni Giese's original concept (Drg. #1), and the staff alternate plan (Drg.s #2 & #3) with the reduced grading and pond reshaping. P Fn�aa vaanw -. :1 0 rob ro r+ ro a >a cro ro 0 ro 4 p vov eaanra„x<is u 0 CH pr� a ro 41 t , ' En .{ x � En 3 u x ' If _ I paO MN701 enlap —� February 5, 1997 Memo to: Park and Recreation Commission From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager m Subject: Flow Chart and Time Line for the Development of a Design Plan for North Kensington Park Improvements PARK & REC COMMISSION Ae6\� E=7 BY CITY STAFF reL• 'V`•• BY CONSULTANT PREPARE 7ESTs NCEPT Ma� PLANS & CONSTR. STS I �tb (� S17LTAi Council R. iLECu!'I1 Select Arr� 1'iti10;3 March 18th Man April_Sth PARK & REC COMM — REVIEW CONCEPT PLAN (S) May 13th� A i �PiNAi G ' < May 20th 1 i4i DEN PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT P & Rec. QUESTION: YES / NO May 13th P & Rec. 1. MORAAROP - Input on June 10th Pl•n true residents OA I. PRESENT PLAN AT REG �LApublic comments I OA 1. FAEAE AE Z 0! PLAN -invite coamments PREPARE_ ICONSTRUCT _I ' July/August, IMPORVEMENT August/September CITY OF MENDOTA BEIGHIa January 22, 1996 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager SUBJECT: Baseball Field Cost Estimates for Two Sites Following the January 14th City Council/Park and Recreation Commission Joint Workshop, where ballfield capacity was discussed, I was directed to prepare cost estimates and design concepts for the Friendly Marsh Park and Acacia T.I.F. sites that would show how a full size baseball field would Fit on each site. DESIGN CONCEPT I used the same design employed at Sibley for the full size baseball field with these basic guidelines: ° Distance between bases would be 90 feet Center field would be 390 feet from home plate First and third foul lines extend 330 feet to outfield fence ° Backstop would be 16 feet high with no hood ° Provide parking for 40 vehicles The Sibley field was a fully developed complex with all amenities. Developing either of these sites to the same level may not be what the Commission intends, so, I am providing cost estimates for a basic field development and a list of options that, if added, would upgrade the fields to the same level as Sibley was developed too. The biggest cost item in a ball field development is the grading of the site. Without soil borings and site surveys the exact grading costs cannot be determined. I used an approximate cost based on experience the City has had in construction of other ballfields constructed under the referendum. RECOMMENDATION Of the two sites the Friendly Marsh Park site would be the lest costly site to develop. The Acacia site cost estimates does not consider the cost of the land which was purchased using Tax Increment Funds. This fund may need to be reimbursed from the Special Park fund for the land acquisition costs. Ad< � b/ , A C \h u 13 � A 22s x` 4o P� SpP ces r y�F _g1t1111y' S I ` VN p \ W PTEQ ��t,e Ei=83L3 CbYof GK '�fiAl M621Ct0ta FRIENDLY MARSH PARK Heights Jan. trot vtcrotalA agave • taaooTA tidc�trs, rota sma' (�1 asz4sso CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO February 5, 1996 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Open Space Preservation Discussion At the Workshop on January 14, 1997, the Parks and Recreation Commission expressed their concern that the city should consider preserving more open space before it is lost forever. Both the Council and the Commission agreed that a referendum would be very difficult and felt that the City could finance land acquisition through methods such as "contract -for -deed." The Council also suggested that parcels of land be ranked by priority based upon the desirability of the land and the risk of losing it in the near term. The Commission and the Council expressed interest in the following parcels: • #6 Acacia Area TIF Acquired Property • 99 Slowinski Property • #11 Foss homestead by Wentworth Park • #16 Acacia property north of Acacia Boulevard • 918 Resurrection Cemetery "Break Off' Area • #19 Visitation Convent Property • 421 Tousignant Property off Mendota Heights Road Please see the attached maps provided by Mr. Kullander. Action Required Prioritize the attached parcels in terms of desirability, availability, cost, possible terms of acquisition and future use. Shaded property has been purchased by the City using Tax Increment Fianancing. The area south of Acacia Blvd. is zoned Industrial and the north parcel is in a Residential zoned area. The north parcel is less than one acre in size while the south parcel is over 7 acres. "Friendly" offers have been made to the two remaining houses on the west' side along Pilot Knob Rd. DRG #6 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARTIALLY DEVELOPED AND 1101 Victoria Curve UNDEVELOPED LAND OVER GK Mendota Heights. Minnesota 55118 • (6121 4524850 ONE ACRE IN SIZE 11 /96 The Slowinski parcel, east of the Par 3 Golf is 7.7 acres in size and zoned R-1.:The parcel is bordered by Valley Park on the east and south sides. The 1995 Tax value on this parcel was $223,000. D R G CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARTIALLY DEVELOPED AND 1101 Victoria Curve UNDEVELOPED LAND OVER GK Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55118 • (612) 4521850 ONE ACRE IN SIZE 11 /96 DRG # 11 The Foss homestead, adjacent to Wentworth Park is 8 acres in size. The parcel's tax value in 1995 was $192,000. The area is zoned R-1. A watercourse runs through the property from the Wentworth pondtowardsValley Park on the west. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARTIALLY DEVELOPED AND 1101 Victoria Curve UNDEVELOPED LAND OVER GK Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55118 • (612) 4524850 ONE ACRE IN SIZE 11 /96 a r�l' °z 9 E O H H a Top shaded area is owned by Acacia Cemetery but is not plated as cemetery. City ownes several T.I.F parcel south of the cemetery lands. This 15 plus acres has two houses on it and is zonedR-3 and R. DRG # 1 6 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARTIALLY DEVELOPED AND 1101 Victoria Curve UNDEVELOPED LAND OVER GK Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55118 • ko12) 452-1850 oNE ACRE IN SIZE 11 /96 it If "' ,, NHT T'J WFS r n 3,y,Y?a 8qY !aL Dq 5NO?N ad w 26 oaz it ,n a H S WOO \%, & *�4 a ,;C. A F• y CY 04 O\•\ \ OAV T pY U £O \\ TJ 4'hC O R.\ 40 0 kw q ;- w m a 0 a y!' u m o.0 •`•mac• O 0 90 Pj >NH° •y p '� / 5 O. 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Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Summary of Workshop Discussion on Trail System Discussion At the joint Workshop on 7anuary 141 19977 the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Council expressed interest in the following Trail possibilities: • #8 Valley Park/Par 3 Cross Country Ski Trail • #19 Ski Trails in Mendakota Golf Course • #22 Copperfield/Centex Area Trails (esp. Delaware) • #23 North Side of Mendota Heights Road from Dodd to Delaware Please see the attached maps provided by Mr. Kullander. The Workshop participants agreed that trails are expensive and are not as high a priority as other items, such as open space acquisition. Nevertheless, the above trail possibilities should be considered for inclusion in the Capital Improvement Plan for discussion in future years. Action Required Share your thoughts with Staff about the placement of the above trail possibilities in the CIP for consideration in future years. • d W .aamoa � —== e •• • H7Ua + a U •v a v ro4j is a v ro (Dv 0 x to ul x 41 Om Ucro 4j ra s, v>4 u H { vm� ro O 4j x m U) am 0 awri +,roro i oa °m-i aa r ri i°4JQMm ❑4j oai4J 4j si�a°�-ro s (D rn 'Jmw'R>,o ro0) v o G G Ul O to UI.-i a)bUuNUf �44 a � O•.ia)w0ula)o+, �>siW N 4-4 ) O JJ 'i ri RO U •i O a 0 :3 m pk a-H3U1%04� roro i •wG k •'i iT ro 0 id ro ro ?i 0ro • .x>4m om.c Hu41 •E Si 4J U P 4J E1• H id -ri .i cl ri ri UI •4J�ro �+a) ai)o> doe 's do�'�\ :AUG NIAW • goy ol :-! i amwa.'� P A R K'/ ,. �Of POSSIBLE / FUTURE 12/9 Height TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS rim ricrotua crave . T — E aea xgcHrs ww (6q 452*1 so — j f.I iri�l P'llisswu❑ N 0 b� �� s o E PIP If P it I ro N al a ro •o H 0 O IX 04 ��ttt "It s ter 16 rnl., �..— — — — Pt, I. — c. k ro rn I , .,. ' n a m ;I ,P.,.s H r fN •':�,J s j 4 ' z mN f y. as I W N U +J 44 z No ta: sarP a)Ali 3i¢ o o PIP t, U •H E t. n, a wp� H '-I J-, If POW I sts 5 H xro ; -- +I N +J H O Ui r� z iI N m u•H Is PIJ PIP `��... H N � .-I � �, II f - z z O D U O OU O En Is N ?, to N O P 0 N N O n Uu is it _V PIP PIP 44 I - \`��- �r• Hilt it Iss Its ..pfr� - Cily°f POSSIBLE / FUTURE 12/96 H TRAIL IMIsIP PROVEMENTS (s>�.sx-tes tM VIGMU OWE 4 UMM NEIGM UN WNs T -1 9 o z3aw •�, •Y - 911 . MTN MW "Wzoo KENSINGTO- 1. Proposed trail segment. 5 +�.': Build trail when County upgrades Delaware/Co.Rd.63 —oo owgoo, - - �� __ - - - :vs; 2. Existing 8' seperated y trail on Huber Dr. �= �'• 3. Proposed 8' seperated trail on north side of Mendota Heights Rd. 4. Existing 8' seperated trail on Mendota Heights Rd. on south side 5. Existing 8' trial through DELAWARE TRAIL - Kensington Park Eagan to Huber Dr. 1i City of POSSIBLE / FUTURE 12/! 6d� Meudota TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS Heights T - � .1161 VICIOFitA glRVE 0 1 M=1A W3=8, MH GM (6q 4Mol 0 0 1'� �: �•R , 6 IH .. MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD g. Westview Ter. to Delaware ,oe 1. Proposed 8' seperated trail s �� on north side of M.H. Rd. Middle School request =�,•• I � I 2. Existing 8' seperated trail on south side,• •Mill is 3. Existing 8' seperated trail on Huber Drive 4. Existing 8' trail through \__LO no t�I� j North Kensington Park 3 = b• S _� -' 1 � 5. Possible future trail on Hwy 149 ROW. Eagan to South Plaza Drive �� Of POSSIBLE / FUTURE 1 2/ H a TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS T-� . it01 VICICWA CUWE it NENDM mm YN SM - Oq 7 24= CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS February 5, 1997 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager �� SUBJECT: Update on 1996 Tree Plantings Under City Contracts The City CouncIl has included $10,000 each yeaz in the Budget since 1988 for the planting of boulevard trees throughout the City. Residents requesting the trees pay a fee of $50.00 per tree with all remaining costs drawn from the budgeted funds. Average cost of tree, installed and guaranteed for one year was $130.00. In the past approximately one hundred trees were planted, but due to an increase in the bids received in 1996 that number was reduced by the City Council. In 1996 sixty seven (67) trees were requested by residents. Residents are allowed to choose from six variety of trees (see attached). The Council again has budgeted $10,000 for this program in 1997. Sign up by residents takes place in the summer with the trees planted in the late fall. Under City construction projects an additional thirty (30) trees were planted on street right-of-way (20 Summit Ash and 10 Norway Maple, all.) caliper). ADDITIONAL PLAN'PINGS The Parks Department replaces and installs additional trees within the fourteen parks maintained throughout the City. Details on the extent of these plantings can be obtained from Tom Olund, Public Works Supervisor. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO February 10, 1996 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Election of Officers: Chair, Vice -Chair and Secretary Discussion At the February meeting each year, the Commission elects from its membership a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. The Secretary to the Parks Commission may or may not be a member of the Commission. The terms of such officers shall be for a period of one year. Currently, Dick Spicer is the Chair and Ann Norton is the Vice -Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister is the Secretary. Action Required Elect a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Secretary for the 1997 Parks and Recreation Commission year. Note: Congratulations go to Stan Linnell, Carol Ramberg and Steve Kleinglass, who were recently reappointed by the City Council to serve an additional three-year term. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO February 10, 1997 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Terry Blum, Parks Leadperson SUBJECT: January Parks Report 1. Maintain hockey and general rinks, plowing, sweeping and flooding. 2. Maintain warming houses. Minor repairs, furnace at Friendly Hills. 3. Remove snow from pedways and parking lots. ds ii 43 17 16 1B � � •• � i� i 4 � 20 y n / 21 � 2 6 \\ '� I 2 23 ��/� �\ i 1 5 q II 6'3 o 3IAT) i 13 2 � 2 — — 14-0$ 6 I I I I .. 2s , {.•... •r° a .�.� .�..a.............a... . Z -- --- 5 I 4•J� 3 o I f ---_ _ { ——t----+---t_ Current size of parcel = 166,20 Size of lots after split: With 1 Description: Lot drops down 35 :tf PARK LAND PROPOSAL BY CsK easement crosses i Valley park ses tdo%a John Doyle s 't5 810 Ridge Place Newly formed Lot B' would not d1fNE • MENDarA HEIGHTS, MM 65H6 (612)-4524M CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO February 11, 1997 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Add -On Agenda for February 11 Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda One item originally indicated as being available Tuesday is now submitted for Commission review. Please see item 11 - Update: Parks Report M. Two new items have been added to the agenda. Please see item number 3 (**) and item 11 - Update: Park Land Donation Offer (**). CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNMMINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 14.1997 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, January 14, 1997, in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM. The following Commissioners were present: Spicer, Libra, Kleinglass, Linnell, Damberg, and Liberacki. Commissioner Norton arrived late. Also present were Councilmember Krebsbach, Recreation Programmer Chris Esser and Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister, APPROVAL OF MINUTES Comrnissioner Libra moved to approve the December 10, 1996 Minutes with corrections. Commissioner Damberg seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 UPDATES Staffthen provided updates on the following items: There were on comments on this item. POLICE REPORT There were no comments on this item. Commissioner Damberg asked for an end -of --the year Vandalism Report. W. Hollister replied that this would be forthcoming. Commissioner Damberg asked about the condition of the skating rinks. Mr. Esser replied that they were doing quite well. Commissioner Damberg pointed out that according the Comprehensive Plan, on of the purposes of the Parks was to "enable historic and scenic values in the community to be preserved". Commissioner Damberg said that this aspect of parks had been neglected by the Parks and Recreation Commission, and that almost all the emphasis on parks to date was from a recreational standpoint. Commissioner Damberg continued that there were many opportunities for the City to improve views by putting in grasses, trees and shrubs near her house. Commissioner Damberg reiterated that she felt that the City dealt with the recreational aspects of parks very well, but not the other two purposes listed, scenic and poorly adapted areas. Corrunissioner Libra said that the ponds in Copperfield may someday be overgrown and that they should be maintained and improved on a gradual basis. Commissioner Linnell said that the City lacks its own Staff expertise in forestry, but the City could hire such expertise on a contingency basis. Commissioner Damberg said that more emphasis should be placed onnon-dedicated parks. [At this point Kevin Batchelder, Mayor Mertensotto, and Councilmember Huber joined the meeting.] Commissioner Spicer asked Mr. Batchelder what the population of Mendota Heights was and how may acres of parkland it had. Mr. Batchelder responded that the City had a population of about 11,000 and slightly over 300 acres of parkland. Commissioner Linnell suggested increasing the monetary component of the Park Contribution, Mayor Mertensotto said that this would be possible, and that he agreed that the current $750 amount was low relative to the present value of land in Mendota Heights. WORKSHOP [At this point Councilmembers Smith and Kochjoined the meeting.] Chairman Spicer opened the Workshop. TTEM #l: REVIEW PURPOSE AND ROLE OF PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Chairman Spicer said that a few years ago when there was rapid development in the City and the City was acquiring parkland, life on the Parks and Recreation Commission was more exciting and Commissioners felt a real sense of purpose. Chairman Spicer continued that now that the pace of development had slowed down, the Parks and Recreation Commission had been reduced to discussing maintenance items. Chairman Spicer said that he wished to hear the Council's thoughts on what the new role of the Parks and Recreation Commission should be besides just maintenance. Chairman Spicer said that the Commission should redefine its purpose. Commissioner nglass added that the Commission spends a lot of time discussing small amounts of money, and that Staff should be empowered to spend such small amounts without troubling the Parks and Recreation Commission about them. Commissioner Kleinglass added that meetings often take as long as an hour, and that he doesn't feel the Parks and Recreation Commission is accomplishing anything anymore. Mayor Mertensotto said that anytime the Commission felt that there were not sufficient items on the agenda to justify a meeting, they could request through the Administrative Assistant that the Council grant them a deferment from having to meet, and that the Council in most cases would be happy to comply. ITEM #2: A FULIrTIlVIE RECREATION PROGRAMNI)CR Councihnembers Krebsbach and Smith asked the Commission to explain what aFull-Time recreation programmer would accomplish. Chairman Spicer replied that the City of Mendota Heights had a growing population, and that this led to an increase in demand for recreational services such as Cross -Country Skiing. Chairman Spicer continued that Mr. Esser has done an excellent job as Recreation Programmer. Chairman Spicer added that a Full -Time Recreation Programmer would not just allow more traditional recreational programs such as baseball, volleyball, etc., but other activities which would appeal to a wider range of age groups and interests such as Nature programs and Gardening. Spicer concluded that a Full -Time Recreation Programmer is necessary to maximize use of the City's open spaces, and that the Commission was not seeking to create a Recreation Department. Chairman Spicer asked why the Council was afraid of any growth in recreation services provided by the City. Commissioner Kleinglass said that the City did not provide any recreational activities that appealed to him, such as a Bike Club, a Running Club, or a Walking Club. Commissioner Geinglass said that a Full -Time Recreation Programmer would allow the City to provide recreational activities that would appeal to adults beyond merely softball. Commissioner Kleinglass said that volunteers alone would not be sufficient to get these programs going. Commissioner Kleinglass said that if a Running, Walking or Biking club were formed, it could eventually elect officers from residents, but that the initial impetus would have to come from the Recreation Programmer. Councilmember Krebsbach said that she was concerned that aFull-Time Recreation Programmer would not duplicate services provided by Community Education. Councilmember Krebsbach added that as government grows, it exposes itself to the risk of painful cuts down the road. Mayor Mertensotto said that the City has entrusted MHAA with the primary provision of sports activities in Mendota Heights, and that the current half-time Recreation Programmer position was created to facilitate better use of the City's fields, not to create a Recreation Department. Mayor Mertensotto added that more West Saint Paul kids currently use Community Education because it is located in West Saint Paul, but that once Community Education moved to Mendota Heights more Mendota Heights kids would use it. Commissioner Damberg said that the City had spent millions of dollars on fields, and that many of them were not being used much of the time. Commission Damberg added that she saw very few "pick-up" games going on. Commissioner Damberg continued that one Full -Time Recreation Programmer would not constitute a "department". Commissioner Damberg added that since the City built all these fields and courts, they should be used. Commissioner Damberg said that the City should be setting up leagues, particularly for different age groups with different interests. Commissioner Damberg concluded that residents of Mendota Heights without young children also pay taxes and that they should receive some benefits in the form of recreation programming oriented toward their interests. Councilmember Huber said that there is a stark contrast between the types of programs offered by Community Education and those which are and will be offered by the City. Councilmember Huber added that he saw no overlap between what a Full -Time Recreation Programmer would offer and what Community Education offers. Councilmember Huber concluded that he supports creating a Full -Time Recreation Programmer position, and that this position would cost each resident per year the equivalent of a can of soda pop. Commissioner Spicer asked if a Full -Time Recreation Programmer could be tried for one year on an experimental basis. Mayor Mertensotto responded that it would not be fair to Mr. Esser to entice him to drop other commitments for the sake of Mendota Heights, only to be cut back to half time a year later. Mayor Mertensotto added that creating a Full -Time Recreation Programmer would inevitably lead to the creation of a department. Councilmember Smith said that if the City ever had aFull-Time Recreation Programmer, that individual should facilitate programs created and maintained by MHAA, but should not create and maintain programs himself or herself. Councilmember Smith added that Cities should not run recreational programs, but that individual residents in the community should take initiative to create programs, and that MHAA could expand into providing recreational opportunities for other age groups. Councilmember Smith concluded that if a Full -Time Recreation Programmer were hired, limits would need to be placed upon their scope of activities. n Commissioner Linnell pointed out that all City recreational programs were self-supporting through fees. Mayor Mertensotto responded that the City still subsidized these programs. Councilmember Krebsbach said that is no parameters were placed upon t Full -Time Recreation Programmer, it could create demand for Recreation Programs, Mayor Mertensotto said that the City doesn't currently do anything for seniors. Mayor Mertensotto added that the Seniors were asking the City for space, and that he would be willing to provide the seniors with space but that they would have to run their own programs. Chairman Spicer said that in comparisons between Mendota Heights and Cities of comparable size, Mendota Heights provides fewer recreation programs than any other City. Mayor Mertensotto responded that the City takes care of its highest priority, which is providing low cost government to its residents. Chairman Spicer said that he was willing to pay $4-more per year for more Recreational Programs. Councilmember Koch said that many small incremental increases in costs would add up to a significant increase in taxes. Councilmember Krebsbach said that the City should not back into this. Councilmember Krebsbach added that MHAA was a good volunteer organization, and that a Full Time Recreational Programmer should not duplicate Community Education. Chairman Spicer asked Staff to prepare a new proposal for aFull-Time Recreational Programmer that would emphasize voluntary programs, and would set limits and parameters upon the position so that it would only be a facilitator for programs. TTEM #3: MEETING INCREASING DEMAND FOR BALLFIELDS Chairman Spicer said that there is a growing demand for Ballfield space in the City of Mendota Heights. Mayor Mertensotto said that the residents of Mendota Heights would not be willing to support a bond issue to acquire more field space, and that lighting Mendakota Park was not a politically feasible option. Mayor Mertensotto continued that he suspected that much of the increase in field demand stemmed from increased participation by girls in sports. Mr. Batchelder asked why Dr. Norton of MI -IAA was creating all of these new traveling teams requiring fields with longer base lines when he knew that such fields were not available. Mr. Batchelder said that the "ballfield crisis" predicted for 1996 did not occur, and in fact the numbers for 1996 were down from 1995. Chairman Spicer asked what happened to the idea of putting fields at the Cemetery Mayor Mertensoto responded that the City had originally asked for T-Ball fields and could not then go back and ask for baseball fields. Mayor Mertensotto continued that the cemetery pays no property taxes but receives government services, and so they could be asked to provide field space for the City. Mayor Mertensotto added that fields could be built there on a five-year lease and a fence could be constructed. Mayor Mertensotto added that Visitation could make a similar arrangement with the City. Councilmember Smith suggested the south side of Acacia Road for ballfields. Chairman Spicer said that ballfields could be a good temporary use in many sites before they were developed. Mayor Mertensotto said that Staff needed to spend time with MHAA discussing why the City's fields were underused. Mayor Mertensotto added that MHAA had to adjust to the City's current field capacity. Mr. Batchelder responded that MHAA has told the City that it is impossible for them to get parent volunteers on weekends. Mr. Batchelder added that the City should look at the use of the School District's fields which the City built for them, and also look at Fort Snelling, Commissioner Kleinglass said that his hospital has a baseball field and that he would be willing to rent it to the City for a good bargain. ITEM 444: STAFF WORKLOAD AND THE PRIORITY OF PARKS PROJECTS The Parks and Recreation Commission pointed out that the following Parks Projects had not been done by Staff even though Staff had been directed to pursue them: 1. North Kensington Park 2. Wentworth Park Shelter 3. Ivy Falls Park 4. Park Maps Mr. Batchelder said that he would see to it that all four of the above projects were completed in 1997. ITEM 0: NORTH KEN5INGTON PARK Councilmember Smith said that she was still in favor of the "backyard" concept, but that she felt it needed to be modified in favor of more traditional plantings of trees, bushes and grass. Councilmember Smith said that the Plan now cost more than they had originally thought. Councilmember Smith added that the pond area was now too expensive as it was currently planned. Councilmember Smith said that she was also worried about mosquitoes and rodents. Councilmember Smith added that the Prairie grass would take several years to establish. Commissioner Spicer recalled that at the neighborhood meetings on North Kensington Park, the neighborhood had overwhelmingly supported the existing plan. Chairman Spicer added that the City had picked prairie grass because it was low maintenance. Commissioner Spicer directed Staff to place North Kensington Park on the February Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda. ITEM #6: OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION Chairman Spicer said that the City should consider preserving more open space before it is lost forever. Chairman Spicer said that a referendum would be very difficult and asked how the City could finance land acquisition. Mayor Mertensotto said that contract -for -deed would be an option, and that the City should take everything it can afford to get. Councilmember Huber suggested that parcels of land be ranked by priority based upon the desirability of the land and the risk of losing it in the near term. The Commission and the Council expressed interest in the following parcels: • #6 Acacia Area TIF Acquired Property • #9 Slowinski Property • #11 Foss homestead by Wentworth Park • #16 Acacia property north of Acacia Boulevard • #18 Resurrection Cemetery "Break Off' Area • #19 Visitation Convent Property • #21 Tousignant Property off Mendota Heights Road ITEM #7: EXPANSION OF THE TRAIL SYSTEM The Commission and the Council expressed interest in the following Trail possibilities: • #8 Valley Park/Par 3 Cross CountrySki Trail • #19 Ski Trails in Mendakota Golf Course • #22 Copperfield/Centex Area Trails • #23 North Side of Mendota Heights Road from Dodd to Delaware ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn made by Kleinglass and seconded by Damberg. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 The meeting adjourned at 10:15 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Patrick C. Hollister 3